MVP lauds Ateneo for five-peat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines -- Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan congratulated the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles for winning a historic fifth straight championship even as he has announced that he has pulled out his support for the team.

Pangilinan, the Blue Eagles' primary benefactor throughout their championship streak, attended the team's mass before the game.

The Eagles then defeated the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers, 65-62, to win the UAAP Season 75 men's basketball title -- their fifth in a row.

"Happy for the players and coaches. I said I'll be with them 'til the end. Mission accomplished," Pangilinan later tweeted.

Pangilinan had pulled out his support for his alma mater after disagreeing with the Ateneo over mining and the Reproductive Health Bill.

Ateneo head coach Norman Black nearly resigned in the wake of the split, though he was told by Pangilinan to remain in his post until the end of the season.

Pangilinan recently announced that he has made a P5-million donation to the University of the Philippines.